NEW PING G430 MAX DRIVER: A first look at the new forgiving driver for the 2023 golf season
Golf giants PING have released the G430 family of golf clubs in North America, Europe and South America ready for the 2023 golf season.
The new custom-fit, custom-built G430 family consists of three driver models (MAX, LST, SFT), two fairway-wood designs (MAX, SFT) in multiple lofts, six hybrid choices and an iron set (4-9, PW, 45.5°, 50°, 54°, 58°). For slower-swing-speed golfers, all of the clubs except the LST driver can be custom built with lighter head weights, the ultralight PING ALTA Quick shaft and a lighter grip as part of the G430 HL (High Launch) option.
John K. Solheim, PING CEO & President, said: “The combined distance gains throughout the entire G430 family are like nothing we’ve seen from one generation of clubs to the next.
“Our approach with G430 has been to find more speed and deliver it in a way that contributes to lower scores and more enjoyment on the course. That includes providing a level of forgiveness that remains unequalled. The powerful combination of distance and forgiveness wins out when golfers are properly fitted. We see that every day in our research and we’re excited to get the G430 into the hands of golfers so they can see the same benefits.
“The tour adoption was exceptional last fall, with almost 30 drivers in play on the PGA Tour the first week out, and multiple wins around the world since its introduction. Our staff appreciates the added ball speed of the driver and fairway woods and loves the sound. They are seeing from 2 to 4 mph gains in ball speed from the driver, which even the best players in the world are happy to find from their equipment alone.”
In the new drivers, PING’s engineering team developed several new technologies common to all three models while applying specific advancements to each individual head, producing measurable ball-speed gains while improving sound throughout the series.
The added ball speed is attributed to a shallower and thinner VFT forged face design engineered with Spinsistency, a variable roll radius technology proven on the G425 fairway woods and hybrids.
According to PING, the improved and pleasing sound is the result of fine-tuning the frequencies of the head through a new internal rib structure.
The MAX (460cc) still aim to remain the most forgiving driver and fits the widest range of golfers. A 25-gram, high-density tungsten moveable backweight influences shot shape ±8 yards between the Draw, Neutral and Fade settings. Available in 9°, 10.5° and 12° lofts. Loft is adjustable ±1.5° and lie up to 3° flat from standard using the 8-setting Trajectory Tuning 2.0 hosel.
“The MAX is the workhorse,” Solheim said. “It fits every skill level, from tour players to higher handicaps. The increases in ball speed are remarkable and the sound is creating a very favorable conversation. When you combine those advancements with its industry-leading forgiveness, the MAX will win a lot of battles in comparison testing in the fitting environment.”
UK RRP: £525
